In Whitechapel, east London, the clock strikes seven in the morning, and even before the market stalls open for business, council enforcement officer John Fish is out on the streets, looking for individuals using drugs.

“Have you had any trouble inside this morning?” he inquires of a shop worker emerging from an alley with a delivery.

“One of the ongoing obstacles we face is the creativity of drug dealers,” Mr. Fish explains. “They find hidden spots away from CCTV cameras. They tend to lure individuals who are undergoing treatment back into their former lifestyles.”

Leading a dedicated unit of seven officers focused exclusively on combating drug-related issues and antisocial behaviour, Mr. Fish is part of what Tower Hamlets Council believes to be the first initiative of its kind.

Rather than simply patrolling known hotspots, this team has pinpointed 50 individuals they suspect are the most detrimental to the community through their drug use, constructing detailed profiles of their activities.

“Where do they rest? Who do they interact with? Where are their crimes occurring, if at all, and who are their victims?” he outlines.

The team then assesses the individual’s specific needs, presenting them with a choice in what Mr. Fish terms “tough love”: they can agree to enter a rehabilitation program, potentially improving their housing situation, or face legal repercussions if their offending continues.

They have the authority to issue formal warnings, which can lead to fines or criminal charges if ignored, and they share intelligence with the police, utilizing body camera footage to facilitate arrests.

On this particular patrol, they head to the vicinity of the Whitechapel Mission, where staff and volunteers prepare to provide over 400 complimentary breakfasts, primarily to those experiencing homelessness or unstable living conditions.

Director Tony Miller shares that approximately half of the recipients may be “burdened” by alcohol or drug dependencies, including some who have “lost control”.

“Their primary concern is: ‘Where will my next hit come from?’ Their behaviour can be disruptive, leading them to consider theft from stores or individuals to support their addiction,” Mr. Fish describes.

“Some may have relapsed, and we caution them about their behaviour, offering support to help guide them toward better choices,” he adds.

He emphasizes that the public should be able to view this as an ordinary London street, without witnessing individuals cleaning crack pipes, using drugs, or collapsing due to substance abuse.

He also keeps an eye out for those who exploit vulnerable individuals attempting to overcome their addictions, including drug dealers and men seeking to sexually exploit women.

Mr. Fish carries written warnings for individuals he has seen on CCTV using drugs.

“Surprisingly, many are grateful rather than resentful. They crave boundaries. They recognize the harm they are inflicting on their health and generally feel quite miserable,” he shares.

“If someone approaches you to offer drugs, it’s beneficial to say, ‘I can’t, mate, I have a restriction; I’ll get in trouble if I do.’”

Tony Miller reflects positively on the approach of the drug enforcement team, asserting they’ve been “very good” thus far.

“It’s often easier to just push the problem out of sight instead of trying to solve it,” he observes.

“They are prioritizing rehabilitation, not just once or twice, but repeatedly. It’s only when individuals refuse to take charge of their actions that we say, ‘You can’t keep doing this.’”

The council formed the drugs squad at a cost of half a million pounds annually during the summer, responding to community concerns.

Abu Chowdhury, the cabinet member for safer communities, explained that diminishing police budgets prompted the local authority to “step up”.

“As police focus on serious organized crime, unfortunately, drug-related antisocial behaviour doesn’t always receive attention, largely due to resource limitations,” he stated.

“Residents have indicated this is a critical issue for them. Therefore, action was necessary.”

Recent announcements indicated that the Metropolitan Police plans to redeploy officers committed to addressing antisocial behaviour to local neighborhood policing teams.

The Met insists on its dedication to “continuing its crackdown on antisocial behaviour in local communities,” but critics warn that the loss of officers’ specialized knowledge and experience with chronic drug users could be problematic.

This comes as the force outlines measures to address a £260 million budget deficit, including cuts to police station services and disbanding the Royal Parks police.

Tower Hamlets Council maintains that its drug enforcement team collaborates with the Met, but there are concerns regarding the loss of specialist police units.

“I believe we need to adopt a different approach,” comments Dal Babu, the council’s director of community safety and a former chief superintendent with the Met. He emphasizes that “the police can’t handle everything independently.”

“They’re concentrating, as expected, on gun-wielding criminals, drug dealers, and organized criminal networks.”

He describes the drugs squad as employing a new “trauma-informed strategy” to address antisocial behaviour issues.

Does Mr. Fish, who served as a police officer for three decades, worry that he might be less effective without arrest powers?

“I can still patrol, with my body camera activated; I won’t be called away to manage a protest in central London,” he points out.

“In fact, my non-police status may foster closer relationships with individuals who, despite being offenders, are also vulnerable and in search of assistance.”

These relationships are essential for understanding the support people require, as well as ensuring those individuals recognize they are being monitored and that authorities are aware of their identities.

During his rounds, he frequently stops to converse with individuals, checking in on their well-being and whether they need help.

One man wearily recounts his experience sleeping rough and his difficulties with securing housing, stating he is “not in a good place.”

Another shows Mr. Fish a note indicating an appointment he has made for treatment.

“If you miss this appointment, I’ll come find you to take you myself,” Mr. Fish smiles, as the man assures him he will attend.

However, addressing the intricate issues surrounding drug use and antisocial behaviour will undoubtedly be a considerable challenge.

Residents have voiced concerns, particularly regarding nitrous oxide—commonly referred to as laughing gas—reporting feelings of intimidation from groups using it, as well as the litter of small metal canisters left behind.

“What we observe is a significant amount of antisocial behaviour, many individuals unemployed, rampant drug use, and people desperately pursuing drugs, with our major frustration being that it seems like nothing is being done,” says Sister Christine Frost.

Sister Christine, a Roman Catholic nun who has lived in the area for over 40 years and has been recognized with an MBE for her community efforts, reports that one of her neighbours frequently witnesses drug dealings at her apartment complex.

“Recently, she spotted five young individuals using drugs on the grass area outside her building. She called 101 and nothing happened; she felt nothing was recorded,” she recounts.

She appreciates the investment by the council in the drug enforcement team but believes greater accountability measures should be in place if issues persist.

Furthermore, she identifies broader societal challenges needing resolution, such as increased training and job opportunities for youth.

“I reside just across from Canary Wharf, yet I wonder how many of our local youth are employed there?”

She notes that some see drug dealing as their only viable path to acquiring an expensive car.

“It’s our youth who are destroying their lives. It’s a disease. It’s a lethal issue for us, yet we feel powerless to escape from it.”

Since launching the initiative in June, the council reports having identified 11 suspected drug dealers, resulting in 10 arrests, and confiscated £50,000 worth of Class B drugs from an abandoned car.

Out of the 50 targeted individuals, 15 are engaging with substance misuse support services, 9 are incarcerated, and 5 have received Criminal Behaviour Orders, imposing various conditions following their convictions.

Though it remains too early to gauge the long-term effects, Mr. Fish is optimistic about what he has observed thus far.

“There’s one individual I had never seen sober; he has been clean for six weeks, has family support, and is discussing job opportunities in Lancashire. He has even gained over a stone and a half. It’s truly fantastic!”

While filming, another man approaches Mr. Fish to share that he has just been offered a flat and expresses gratitude.

“These folks really assisted me, even while I was incarcerated. That support was exactly what I needed,” he states.

“You’ve made my day,” Mr. Fish responds with enthusiasm. “Just stay on track, alright?”